Paul J. Somerville

WICOMICO CHURCH—It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul John Somerville, 55, of Wicomico Church on May 1, 2018, while on the Great Wicomico River.

Paul was born in the state of Georgia on February 19, 1963.

He was the beloved husband of 31 years to Colleen (Meskill) and adored father to Caitie and Maggie. An Army brat, he was the dedicated son of Colonel Paul F. Somerville and the late Lucy (Reilly) Somerville.

Few things brought Paul greater joy than spending time with Colleen. They met in college during Army ROTC at Niagara University and subsequently were stationed together at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., where they made their first home together.

In the Army, Paul reached the rank of captain and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, serving overseas in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following his eight years of service to his country, Paul and Colleen eventually settled in Manassas to raise their two girls.

His love for those two could not be measured. He loved them so and brimmed with pride whenever he spoke of them. Paul’s greatest professional accomplishment was undoubtedly the founding of Meridian KSI, which grew to be a market leader in the online learning management systems arena. He was quite humble regarding the company’s great successes, but he deemed the friendships he made with co-workers among the greatest of these.

An avid reader, Paul could frequently be found up early before the sun rose on the Great Wicomico River enjoying a black coffee along with his latest novel.

In recent years, Paul and Colleen loved cruising on their Grand Banks “Grá Mór,” spending the winter season at what they termed “Adult Winter Camp” at Banana Bay Marina in Marathon, Fla. Paul looked forward to the southern departures—very eager to meet new people on the way. It was here that they made lifelong friends with a common passion of boating.

Having an unmatched zest for life, Paul really gave an intangible gift to everyone he met. He had an uncanny ability to captivate a room while enjoying a good beer and telling an equally good story.

A service is planned at 1 p.m. May 18 in a mass officiated by Fr. Michael Orlowsky at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 154 East Church Street, Kilmarnock. Afterwards we will celebrate Paul‘s life at a casual reception for family and friends at KC’s Crabs & Cues, 10428 Jessie duPont Highway, Kilmarnock.

Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.

Special thanks to Smith Point Sea Rescue for their help getting Paul home to safety on that beautiful May Day.

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